The following is a discussion between councilman Drew Nielsen and myself.

>> >> *From:* C.J. Adams-Collier [mailto:cjcollier@colliertech.org]
>> >> *Sent:* Mon 2/6/2006 10:19 PM *To:* Drew Nielsen *Subject:*
>> >> Community Access Wireless Network
> >
>> >> Hello Drew,
> >
>> >> I got your name from _____.  She tells me that you are
>> >> involved in an effort to decide the direction of a community
>> >> access wireless network in downtown Everett.  I have some
>> >> experience "in the trenches" as it were that I would be happy to
>> >> provide to the council.
> >
>> >> Let me know if I may be of any help,
> >
>> >> C.J.
> >
> >
>> >> -- 
>> >> http://cjcollier.livejournal.com/tag/ +1 206 226 5809



> > Drew Nielsen wrote:
>> >> Community Access Wireless Network C.J.,
> >
>> >> The Council's Technology Committee is exploring ad-supported
>> >> wi-fi provided free to Everett residents.  Antennas would be
>> >> attached to street-light support arms and would draw power from
>> >> the photoelectric cell that controls the light.  The light
>> >> support arm is owned by the PUD, which also owns the lights,
>> >> lenses and photoelectric cells, so a wi-fi provider needs to have
>> >> the permission of the PUD, not the City, to attach its antennas
>> >> to the poles.
> >
>> >> The PUD is willing in principle to enter into a Master License
>> >> Agreement allowing the placement of equipment on the poles. The
>> >> rate charged for communications equipment is regulated (I?m not
>> >> sure by whom). The PUD requires conformance with standards such
>> >> that plugging equipment into the photoelectric cell will not void
>> >>  the manufacturer?s warranty for the cell. At this point we know
>> >> of one company, MetroFi, which is interested in Everett.  MetroFi
>> >> is currently doing its feasibility research.  Since the
>> >> pole-attachment agreement would be between the provider and the
>> >> PUD there was consensus of the Technology Committee that the City
>> >>  should engage in an economic development effort, where the City
>> >> sets out to attract a wi-fi provider to Everett by providing
>> >> assistance and support, just as we do with many other companies
>> >> considering a presence in Everett. MetroFi would not target
>> >> downtown, but the proximity of residences might mean that there
>> >> would be coverage there.
> >
>> >> I'd be interested if you have any information that would be
>> >> helpful in this process.
> >
>> >> Drew Nielsen
> >
>> >> Everett City Council


> > *From:* C.J. Adams-Collier [mailto:cjcollier@colliertech.org]
> > *Sent:* Tue 2/7/2006 11:10 AM *To:* Drew Nielsen *Subject:* Re:
> > Community Access Wireless Network
> >
> > Drew,
> >
> > This email was very educational, thank you.
> >
> > My thoughts are that the residents of the city of Everett (or the
> > population of Snohomish County by way of the PUD) should own the
> > WiFi infrastructure and not the telecommunication industry.  I
> > think that the funds set aside to pay MetroFi's fees would be
> > better used to organize a board of Everett residents (ie, a WiFi
> > task force) as network policy and use administrators.  I would not
> > like to see Everett's potential for a Community Access Network
> > privatized.  This is especially true if the city can, with the help
> > of residents, build an equal or better infrastructure.
> >
> > The technical details are spot on, and it seems that you have some
> > very capable people already working with the City on this project.
> > I would like to know a bit about what wireless hardware is being
> > considered, and how much transparency the network administrators
> > expect to share with the City and the PUD.
> >
> > Do I have your permission to make this conversation public record?
> >
> > Thank you,
> >
> > C.J.


Drew Nielsen wrote:
> > Re: Community Access Wireless Network C.J.,
> >
> > I have no objection to your sharing this communication with anyone
> > you wish.
> >
> > Let me clarify that MetroFi -- if that is who we end up dealing
> > with -- would not be paid any fee nor would the City of Everett
> > spend any money.  That is why the City Council is exploring
> > advertising supported wi-fi.  No wi-fi provider would have
> > exclusive rights to use the power poles, so another company could
> > also enter into a Master Licensing Agreement with the PUD.
> >
> > What I can tell you about the hardware is that it uses 802.11x
> > technology with a range of about 500 feet in diameter.  It would
> > likely require about 300 antennas to reach most of the residences
> > in the City.
> >
> > I've now told you pretty much everything I know at this early
> > point.
> >
> > Drew Nielsen

Thank you!  I will share this information with some of my compatriots
and see if we can provide any useful recommendations.

Cheers,

C.J.